Currently, the service dog industry estimates it costs between $35,000 – $50,000 to raise, train,
and place an assistance dog. VMF's program features different types of service provided by our
highly-trained dogs and each type requires a different degree of and time for training.
Our estimated costs range from:

• $6,500 for a "comfort" dog
• $12,500 for a therapy dog (depending on skills required)
• $15 to 20,000 for a facility dog (depending on the skills required to
  mitigate a physical or psychological disability)
• $30 to 40,000 for an assistance/service dog (depending on the
  skills required to mitigate a physical or psychological disability)

All VMF Assistance/Service dogs are cared for by VMF for the entire time
they are performing their designated duties with a Veteran.

Funds provided by you or your organization
will aid in the following:

• payment for procurement of the puppy;
• required vaccinations and veterinarian examinations;
• food and training treats;
• a county dog license;
• examination fee for Delta Society® (which enables the ADIT to visit veterans' facilities and hospitals, to include the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.);
• toys;
• leashes;
• kennels for sleeping and for transportation to his/her public events;
• grooming;
• basic dog-obedience training classes;
• transportation costs to special events and therapeutic sessions;
• advanced training by certified, professional dog trainers;
• transportation costs to meet, evaluate and assess his/her matching with a veteran or veteran candidates;
• final training tailored to the specific needs of the veteran; and
• periodic or annual refresher training for the assistance dog and his/her veteran while they remain partnered together.